Paxil Lawsuit

GlaxoSmithKline has been named a defendant in thousands of Paxil lawsuits involving the antidepressant’s alleged association with suicidal behavior and birth defects. Potential legal claims are also being investigated on behalf of families whose children may have developed autism due to their mothers’ use of Paxil while pregnant.

Paxil Legal Reviews

The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP offers free legal reviews to individuals who may have been harmed by Paxil and other SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants. To learn about the legal options that may be available, please contact our office at (888) 498-0029.

Paxil Suicide Lawsuits & Settlements

In 2004, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the manufacturers of Paxil and other antidepressants to include Black Box Warning on the drugs’ labeling regarding an increased risk of suicidality (suicidal thoughts and behavior) in children and adolescents treated with the medications. Three years later, the Black Box Warning was expanded to include young adults, ages 18 to 24, during initial treatment (generally the first one to two months).

By 2010, GlaxoSmithKline had settled about 150 Paxil suicide cases for around $200 million each. It had also paid an average of $300,000 to resolve about 300 attempted suicide cases.

Paxil Birth Defects Litigation & Settlements

In 2005, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) moved Paxil from Pregnancy Category C to the more serious Category D, after a number of studies indicated that Paxil could increase the risk of certain birth defects, particularly heart abnormalities, when taken by pregnant women in their third trimester. Birth defects that may be associated with Paxil include:

Atrial and ventral Septal Defects (ASD & VSD, also known as ‘hole in the heart’ defects)

Ebstein’s Anomaly

Transposition of the Great Arteries / Vessels

Tetralogy of the Fallot

Hypoplastic Left or Right Heart Syndrome

Tricuspid Atresia

Aortic Stenosis

Pulmonary Atresia

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Coarctation of the Aorta

Truncus Arteriosus

Tricuspid Valve Stenosis

Heart Murmur

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

Pulmonary Stenosis

Craniosynostosis

Omphalocele

Gastroschisis

Esophageal Stenosis

Club Foot

Anal Atresia

Spina Bifida

In 2010, Glaxo agreed to pay $1 billion to resolve more than 800 Paxil birth defects lawsuits, with an average payout of $1.2 million per case. The company also disclosed that it had set aside set $2.4 billion to resolve litigation over Paxil and other medications.

Paxil and Autism

In January 2016, a study published in JAMA: Pediatrics suggested that maternal use of antidepressants in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy greatly increased the risk that a child would have autism spectrum disorder. Overall, use of such medications during this time period was associated with an 87% increased risk of the disorder. However, SSRIs, the group of antidepressants that includes Paxil, were associated with a 117% increased risk when used in the final two trimesters of pregnancy.